Become

To become means to be with the God who is always with us so that we become more like Christ for the glory of God, the sake of others, and the spiritual abundance of self. We yield to the Holy Spirit’s work in and through us in this lifelong process, while taking responsibility for our part in our relationship with God. Then, we will steadily die to self, becoming more obedient as we abandon self-obsession and come alive to God in a new way.

– SPIRITUAL DIRECTION –

Spiritual direction is one Christian coming alongside another as he or she seeks to cultivate a deeper relationship with God by increasing attentiveness to His presence and to the Holy Spirit’s direction in prayer and conversation. This form of spiritual care is not mysterious or new. It has been around since the earliest days of the Church and has been a means of spiritual growth for many over the centuries.

Spiritual direction is not pastoral counseling. Pastoral counseling is focused more on dealing with difficult circumstances and personal problems while spiritual direction is focused more on the increasing awareness of God in the midst of life and surrender to His love and will.

We have a team of people at Richwoods who are trained in spiritual direction and have a heart for walking alongside others.

– RETREATS –

Retreats provide us with opportunities to move out of our regular routines, quiet our spirits, and listen to God more intently. For a period of time, we can intentionally nurture our relationship with Him and deepen our relationships with other believers, learning how to better walk alongside each other on our journey toward Christlikeness.

Marriage Retreat

November 10-12, 2017; Hampton Inn & Suites

The more we know and understand others, the more able we are to love them. This retreat is all about getting to know God and our spouses on a deeper level so that our love for them grows. We will look at how our personalities, love languages, gender differences, and individual spiritual journeys impact our relationships, and we will discuss the ways in which we may be looking to our spouses to meet needs only God can meet.

The retreat will take place November 10-12 at The Hampton Inn and Suites in Bloomington, IL. The retreat starts at 6pm on Friday, Nov. 10th and finishes at 2pm on Sunday, Nov. 12th. The cost is $250 per couple which covers meals and hotel room. (Saturday night dinner not included in cost).

Rhythms: A Spiritual Direction Retreat

If you have (1) a deep hunger to move forward on your spiritual journey, (2) a longing to know God as your supreme treasure and joy, (3) a desire to discern the Holy Spirit’s movement in both your trials and blessings, and (4) a willingness to journey with others in community, giving and receiving care and support, please consider coming.

Women’s Retreat

March 3-5, 2017; Lake Williamson Christian Center in Carlinville, IL

Our assumptions about God, others, and ourselves can become confining “boxes” that affect our relationships and spiritual health. At Living Outside the Box: A Spiritual Direction Retreat for Women, we will discover how God challenged women’s assumptions in Scripture and how He challenges ours so that we can be truly free to follow Him and, through His Spirit, grow to be more like His Son.

If you are a woman who longs to grow closer to God and others, has a deep hunger to progress on your spiritual journey, and/or wishes to better discern the Spirit’s movement in your life, then please consider attending Living Outside the Box March 3-5 at Lake Williamson Christian Center in Carlinville, IL. Cost for the weekend is $99, which covers all meals and lodging for two nights. Space is limited, so apply now!